it's an old medieval legend that everybody who studies medieval history knows about.

The seventh seal was inspired by the same legend. (great movie, btw)

Then there's the one of the 3 knights and then the triumph of death, the prayer of the dead to the living and... and something like dozens of stories about death in the Middle Ages. That's why I love it!

Most of my inspiration for death comes from Brancaleone though. I love those movies.